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Zacatecas is a city of enormous beauty and unabashed Mexican pride. This fabled silver city is a detour into history no visitor will regret. At 8,100 feet above sea level (making it Mexico’s second-highest city), Zacatecas will quite literally take your breath away. The city’s stunning architecture includes many religious and civil buildings from the colonial era. Since its establishment as a mining camp in the 16th century, Zacatecas has long been valued for its rich deposits of silver and other minerals. Several features set Zacatecas apart from its colonial sister cities. First, its setting: the city is nestled in a ravine between two imposing hills, Cerro de La Bufa and Cerro del Grillo. Its narrow cobblestone streets and pedestrian alleyways wind upward past manicured parks and colonial buildings built from soft pink and peach-colored stone.
Book This Tour:
Tours:
• Historical center
• Rafael Coronel museum
• Bufa hill
• Cable car
• Fernando Calderon Theatre
Tour price:
Double Occupancy
$ 16,850 pesos per person
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Single Supplement
$ 6,850 pesosCredit Cards Welcome
with a 6% surcharge
• Eden mine
• Zacatecas cathedral
• Government palace
• Guadalupe museum
• Silversmith center
Rafael Coronel Museum – Mask Museum Located in the historic former San Francisco Convent, the Rafael Coronel Museum, also known as the Mask Museum, offers a captivating journey through Mexican folk art. The museum’s centerpiece is the renowned exhibit, *”The Face of Mexico,”* featuring an extensive collection of over five thousand Mexican masks, each telling a unique story of the country’s rich cultural heritage. In addition to this remarkable collection, the museum showcases an array of other fascinating exhibits. Visitors can explore a vibrant assortment of puppets from the Rosete Aranda Company, one of Mexico’s most celebrated puppet troupes. The museum also houses an intriguing display of pre-Columbian pots and vases, offering a glimpse into ancient Mesoamerican civilizations.
Art enthusiasts will appreciate the collection of drawings, sketches, and architectural projects by the legendary Diego Rivera, while history buffs can admire terracotta figurines from colonial Mexico. The museum’s diverse artifacts span pre-Hispanic, colonial, and contemporary periods, providing a comprehensive overview of Mexico’s artistic and cultural evolution.
El Edén Mine is renowned not only for its sheer grandeur but also for its blend of education, culture, and recreation. Originally a working mine, it was transformed into a tourist attraction in 1975, offering visitors a unique underground experience. The renovation included the installation of hanging rope bridges, stairs, a funicular train, and special lighting, all designed to enhance the visitor experience. A highlight of the tour is a live demonstration of traditional mining techniques, offering insight into the mine’s operational history.
The mine also features a museum displaying a stunning collection of rocks and minerals from the region, providing a fascinating glimpse into the geological richness of the area. The tour guides bring the mine to life with captivating stories and legends that add to the immersive experience.
The Aerial Cable Car. or “Teleférico” (gondola), where you can admire breathtaking views from 278 feet above the city. Located just steps from El Edén Mine on El Grillo Mountain, this aerial cable car offers a thrilling journey across the sky.
The ride lasts approximately seven minutes, covering a distance of 1,235 yards as it soars towards La Bufa Mountain. Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views of the city’s magnificent colonial facades, winding streets, and narrow alleyways. These picturesque scenes are part of what earned the city a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking a unique vantage point, the Teleférico provides an unforgettable experience, combining adventure with a deep appreciation of the city’s rich heritage.
Bufa Hill. In Spanish Cerro de La Bufa, which translates to “Pig’s Bladder,” is a prominent hill standing at an altitude of 2,657 meters. This historic site played a crucial role in the Mexican Revolution, serving as the battlefield where Pancho Villa and his forces fought significant battles.
Atop Bufa Hill, you’ll find the Plaza de la Revolución Mexicana, a plaza dedicated to the Mexican Revolution, featuring statues of key generals and officers who played pivotal roles in the conflict. The hill is also home to the Capilla del Patrocinio, a chapel where the Virgin Mary is venerated, offering a serene space for worship and reflection.
Visitors can explore the Toma de Zacatecas Museum, which houses a compelling collection of artillery pieces, photographs, and documents related to the Revolution, providing insight into this critical period in Mexican history. Additionally, Bufa Hill is the site of a Meteorological Observatory, offering scientific insight into the region’s climate, and the Mausoleo de Los Hombres Ilustres, a mausoleum dedicated to notable figures from Zacatecas. Pancho Villa in Zacatecas In June 1914, the city of Zacatecas became a focal point of national significance during the Mexican Revolution when Pancho Villa and his elite forces, known as the Dorados, launched a major offensive against Federal forces commanded by General Medina Barrón. This confrontation, known as La Toma de Zacatecas (The Taking of Zacatecas), stands as the largest and bloodiest battle of the revolution.
The battle was a turning point in the conflict. After Villa’s decisive victory, the Federal forces were left crippled and unable to mount an effective resistance. This triumph cleared the path for Villa and the revolutionaries to advance toward Mexico City, paving the way for their ultimate victory in the struggle to reshape the nation.
The Museum of Guadalupe, the oldest museum in the state of Zacatecas, first opened its doors in 1917 and was officially inaugurated in 1938. Housed in the historic Colegio de Propaganda Fide de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, the museum occupies much of this former religious institution, which operated from the 18th century until the early 20th century.
Since 2002, the museum has been the venue for the annual Baroque Festival, held every September, celebrating the rich artistic and cultural heritage of the Baroque period. In 2010, the Museum of Guadalupe was recognized by UNESCO as part of the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, a Cultural Itinerary on the World Heritage List.
In 2017, the museum proudly celebrated its centennial, marking 100 years of uninterrupted cultural activity. The Museum of Guadalupe remains a vital cultural institution, preserving and showcasing the historical and artistic legacy of the region.
Silversmith Center – Ex-Hacienda de Bernardez
During the colonial period, the Hacienda de Bernardez played a crucial role as a hub for processing ores from some of the region’s most productive mines. Today, it has been transformed into a prestigious silversmithing center and school, where visitors can witness the entire process of silversmithing—from working with raw materials to adding the final touches of finishing and polishing.
The artisans at the center are renowned both nationally and internationally for their exquisite and original designs. This facility not only preserves the rich tradition of silversmithing but also continues to innovate, making it a vital part of the region’s cultural and artistic heritage.
Address:
Carretera Oriente 46
Ajijic – Lake Chapala Mexico
Telephone Number:
376.766.1777
Outside México:
+1.480.525.4184
e-mail:
info@charterclubtours.com